India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Rishabh Pant walked out to bat on Day 2 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford despite having a fractured foot. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he stepped onto the field. Pant came to the crease after Shardul Thakur was dismissed by Ben Stokes for 41. India was 314 for 6 at the time and appeared to be losing momentum. The 27-year-old limped down the stairs with a taped right foot and was visibly in pain. However, his return showed remarkable determination.
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The Indian wicketkeeper-batter had suffered the injury on Day 1 while attempting a reverse sweep against a yorker from Chris Woakes. Pant had retired hurt on 37 but returned to resume his innings after India lost their sixth wicket for 314. He was unbeaten on 39 at lunch.
Pant has been in outstanding form during the five-match series He has scored 462 runs in seven innings. He struck centuries in both innings of the opening Test at Headingley.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel has taken over the wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Pant will not keep wickets due to his right foot injury but will be available to bat as required. "Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicketkeeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicketkeeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements,” BCCI wrote.
Jurel had also stepped in during the third Test at Lord’s when Pant suffered a finger injury. Pant’s availability for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, starting July 31, remains uncertain. Reports suggest that N Jagadeesan could be in line to replace him.
India were 321 for six at lunch on Day 2 after rain interrupted play. Pant was unbeaten on 39, and Washington Sundar was on 20. Ben Stokes led England’s bowling attack with three wickets on a rain-hit morning.
